Every once in a while, a cleaning hack comes along that makes you stop and think, “There’s no way this could possibly work.” Yet somehow, those are often the ones that surprise us the most. The internet has always been a breeding ground for creative shortcuts when it comes to household chores, and some of these ideas catch fire because they’re so simple and unexpected. One of the latest tips to make waves online is the trick of cleaning your oven using nothing more than a single dishwasher tablet. Yes, that’s right—the same little tablet you toss into your dishwasher can also help restore your oven door to a sparkling finish.
The popularity of this hack really started when the editors over at The Kitchn, a well-known food and lifestyle site, noticed the method being shared in multiple places. Out of curiosity, they decided to put it to the test themselves. Their findings were surprising, even to them, and the results spoke volumes. According to their experiment, dishwasher tablets are incredibly effective at tackling baked-on grease, particularly the stubborn film that clings to the glass of your oven door after repeated use.
The choice of dishwasher tablet matters a little. While there are many brands on the market, Finish detergent tablets seemed to be the go-to recommendation, so that’s what The Kitchn tried. These tablets are designed with powerful grease-cutting agents to clean dishes, so it makes sense that the same properties can break down the layers of grime that accumulate on oven glass over time.
The method itself could not be simpler. To get started, you’ll want to grab a bowl of warm water. Take a single dishwasher tablet and dunk it briefly into the water. The goal here is to soften the tablet slightly without dissolving it completely. Then, instead of dropping it into an appliance like usual, you use the tablet itself as a scrubber. With gentle pressure, start working the tablet over the oven glass. As you scrub, you’ll notice the surface begin to lift and the greasy residue start to break away.
One of the advantages of this trick is that you don’t need any fancy tools or expensive specialty cleaners. The tablet doubles as both a cleaner and a scrubbing pad. That being said, it’s not limited to just the glass portion of your oven door. Many people have found that it also works on the surrounding non-glass areas where grease tends to collect. The only thing to keep in mind is that dishwasher tablets are mildly abrasive, so it’s best to avoid using them on delicate surfaces or areas with special finishes.
As you work your way across the door, you’ll likely find that the tablet begins to crumble or soften too much to be effective. That’s perfectly normal. Depending on how dirty your oven is, you may need to use more than one tablet to finish the job. Think of it like using a sponge that eventually wears down; just swap it out for a new one and keep going.
Once you’re satisfied with the scrubbing, the next step is to clean away the leftover residue. Paper towels work well for this, but a soft, clean cloth is also a great choice if you want to be eco-friendly. Wipe away as much of the dissolved detergent as you can, and then go over the area with a damp cloth to make sure no cleaner is left behind. After a final dry wipe, you’ll likely be amazed at how clear and shiny your oven door looks.
What makes this hack so appealing is its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Many oven cleaners on the market come with strong chemical smells and require heavy scrubbing or even waiting periods where the cleaner has to sit before it can be wiped away. With this dishwasher tablet method, there’s no harsh odor and no complicated process. You can get results in a matter of minutes with minimal effort.
It’s also worth noting that this trick is especially helpful for people who love to cook and bake frequently. If you’ve ever roasted meat, baked casseroles, or accidentally let something spill over, you know just how quickly oven glass can become cloudy. Over time, that buildup makes your oven look dirty no matter how tidy your kitchen is otherwise. Being able to restore that glass with a simple household item is a game changer.
Of course, like all hacks, there are a few tips to keep in mind for the best results. First, make sure you’re working with a cool oven. You don’t want to apply pressure to hot glass or risk softening the detergent unevenly. Second, stick with the solid tablets rather than the gel-based pods, as the latter won’t give you the same scrubbing effect. And finally, always follow up with a thorough rinse to make sure no detergent residue remains on the surfaces that come into contact with food.
What started as a curious internet trend has now become a go-to cleaning solution for many. The simplicity, affordability, and effectiveness of this hack have cemented its place among the most practical cleaning shortcuts. It’s one of those rare tips that feels too good to be true—yet when you see the results, you understand why it became viral in the first place.
Big thanks go to The Kitchn for testing this out and sharing their results. Without their willingness to experiment, many of us might never have thought to try a dishwasher tablet anywhere other than the dishwasher. Now, countless people are enjoying sparkling-clean oven doors without the hassle of chemical sprays or costly products.
So, if your oven door is looking a little worse for wear, don’t stress. Instead of dreading the chore or reaching for harsh cleaners, try the dishwasher tablet method. You might just find yourself joining the growing list of fans who swear by this viral hack. After all, sometimes the simplest solutions really do work the best.
